Fans have been waiting forever for another BioShock game, but BioShock 4 still feels fairly far away. After the success of the original BioShock games and BioShock: The Collection, players have been eager for another dose of dystopian FPS goodness, but the series' future was in doubt after the dissolution of Irrational Games as players knew it. Thankfully, BioShock 4 is still on the way after a change in developer to the newly formed Cloud Chamber, but details have still been extremely scarce since it was officially confirmed.
In the absence of concrete news, players have been more than happy to fill in the blanks themselves. Speculation has been spirited and diverse, following unsubstantiated leaks and rumors and covering anything from unexpected settings to BioShock 4's title. Fans are hoping for some more news soon, but this year's E3 could be the perfect showcase to feature Cloud Chamber's upcoming title front and center. It's been a while since gamers have been able to attend E3 in person, and BioShock 4 would be a great secret weapon to unleash at the much-anticipated event.
BioShock 4's Potential E3 Appearance
E3 2023 is going to be an interesting event after years of cancelations and a digital-only experience in 2021. Due to the global pandemic and a shift within the gaming industry in recent years away from larger annual events to smaller, more focused ones, E3 has lost some of the prominence that it previously enjoyed. Showcases held by developers and other online events have seemed to replace bigger stages like E3 and provided updates, trailer launches, and exciting announcements on their own terms. However, E3 has a chance to reassert itself as one of the leading standards for gaming conventions this year, and BioShock 4 could be a key part of this.
It's no secret that BioShock 4 updates have been few and far between since it was confirmed to be in development, and many think it's about time for more details to emerge. BioShock 4 might not be close to release just yet, but a showcase and a trailer would go a long way to assure fans that the game is making good progress, as well as give them something to get excited about. A major BioShock 4 reveal would also legitimize E3 2023 and show that it's still a major event that shouldn't be discounted.
How BioShock 4 Has Been Progressing So Far
BioShock 4 hasn't been confirmed for E3 2023, and several big names in gaming are already rumored to be skipping the event. However, many players are expecting at least some updates regarding the upcoming title this year, especially if rumors that BioShock 4 is aiming for a 2024 release date are to be believed. Other than to confirm that BioShock 4 is officially on the way, publisher 2K and developer Cloud Chamber haven't really revealed much else about the highly-anticipated game. It's been a decade since the release of BioShock Infinite, so fans are definitely prepared for the next installment.
After exploring the depths of Rapture and experiencing life in the clouds in Columbia, one of the main questions hanging over BioShock 4 is where it will be set. Speculation for BioShock 4's setting has involved everything from outer space to the arctic, with both offering plenty of intriguing opportunities to develop the series' philosophical themes and established horror vibes. The game has reportedly experienced some issues during its development, with a turnover of staff and other disruptions. However, fans are still hoping that BioShock 4 is on track for an eventual release, with potentially some big news coming later this year with or without an E3 presence.
BioShock 4 is in development.